HARD work is something Penina Fongtoy has lived by all her life.
Growing up in Salia Village on the island of Kioa, she did not get things on a silver platter and understands a life of struggles and toils.
But through sheer belief and determination, she rose to the top of her game.
Today, the manager of Sunshine Villas, a tourist establishment on Tailevu North’s coast, hopes to use her experience in the hospitality industry to lure people so they could see the hidden wonders of the Namena and Dawasamu districts.
Nina, as she is fondly called by friends and family, was educated at Wairiki Secondary School (now Holy Cross College) on Taveuni and earned her first job working in the video section of Jay Dayaram & Sons in Savusavu in the late 80s.
Realising the need to have a form of qualification, she enrolled for a course in computing with the then NZPTC and many years later got a job as a receptionist/clerk on Kaibu Island, a private island west of Vanuabalavu, owned by James Jannard, the founder of Oakley Inc.
She was there when the manager had to leave his job and when approached to manage the place, did not turn back.
She was the manager of Kaibu between 2003 and 2010 and it was here that her interest in small and boutique tourist attractions grew.
“I realised I wanted a life where I’d be able to meet new people and help make their holiday experience a memorable one,” Nina said.
In between jobs, Nina and her husband Abraham raised five children who now have families of their own. Esther is an accountant, Harriet works at the airport, Abraham is a plumber and Samuel is an electrician. Walter, a veterinary doctor passed away at the age of 21.
After Kaibu, the hardworking grandmother did a few more courses in tourism and hospitality to quench her thirst to learn and know more about her field of work.
In December 2017, she applied for an opportunity to manage a lesser known tourist outlet in the Nasoni area, which is a five-minute drive from Queen Victoria School. She has remained there since.
“I wanted to work somewhere like Kaibu, away from the hustle and bustle and somewhere that I could build.
“Sunshine Villas was that place. It gave me room to be creative and develop a portfolio.”
From humble beginnings, Sunshine Villas is slowly becoming a popular hangout for families and working people who want a stress-free and laid-back environment. Most love the natural and beautiful surroundings of the place.
The property has four two-bedroom self-contained villas and three cabins, a spacious parking lot, great sea and mountain views and lots of greenery.
“This place has a lot of potentials. Its infrastructure needs to be developed more to attract investors who would love to take advantage of the untouched beauty of the area,” Nina said.
“I love the place because it removes you from the stresses and drama of town and city life. I also love it when my guests tell me they love the place and would want to return.”
Nina will work with property owners in 2019 to erect a few bure, a swimming pool and a walkway from nearby mangrove swamps to the sea. She also wants to provide more guest activities to ensure their stay is memorable.
Nina is keeping her fingers crossed Sunshine Villas’ development plans will come through and if all goes well the place will upgrade from a villa to a resort in the near future.
